Concert Recordings Roundup: Supertramp, Simple Minds, Blur, Ten Years After

A parade of rock greats have released top-tier concert recordings available now. This column features a roundup of some of my favorite live releases issued in 2024 and 2025.

Artist: Simple Minds

Title: Live In The City Of Diamonds (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: U2, Simple Minds, The Alarm

Tell me more: A terrific sounding live album with the extensive track listing to match, Live In The City Of Diamonds includes the majority of Simple Minds' most beloved songs recorded at Ziggy Dome, Amsterdam in The Netherlands on April 6, 2024. To be clear, singer-songwriter Jim Kerr sounds as great as ever and Charlie Burchill continues to be one of the great guitar masters of the modern rock era; their signature talents along with the collective expertise of Ged Grimes (bass), Gordy Goudie (guitar, backing vocals), Cherisse Osei (drums), Erik Ljunggen (keyboards) and Sarah Brown (backing vocals) elevate the two dozen selections featured on the outstanding title.

 

Beginning with an uplifting and soaring "Waterfront," disc 1 of the double CD also features the introspective "Sons and Fascination," inspired "Let There Be Love," ethereal "Glittering Prize" and powerful plea for peace "Belfast Child." Disc 2 fires up with the shimmering "Someone, Somewhere In Summertime" and continues it's magical run with standouts including the introspective gem "See The Lights" (the latter bolstered by Burchill's ascending guitar playing), the powerful sing-along fueled "Don't You (Forget About Me)," explosive "Sanctify Yourself," synth-swept "Vision Thing" and dynamic "Color's Fly and Catherine Wheel." The audio CD version reviewed here has exclusive content including an fully-illustrated 24-page color booklet and additional tracks recorded in London, Leeds, Glasgow, Berlin and Dijon. Simple Minds' "Alive & Kicking" North American Tour includes a May 23 date at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, CA, and a May 25 date at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre in Phoenix, AZ; Soft Cell and Modern English will serve as openers on the bill. Information: simpleminds.com.

Artist: Supertramp
Title: Live in Paris '79 (Mercury Studios)
You might like if you enjoy: Roger Hodgson, Supertramp
Tell me more: Recorded just nine months after the release of their 1979 masterwork Breakfast in America, Supertramp's newly-issued Live in Paris '79 full-length live album released on both audio CD and on vinyl features the band's classic lineup of Roger Hodgson (vocals, guitars, keyboards), Rick Davies (keyboards, vocals), Dougie Thomson (bass), Bob Siebengerg (drums) and John Helliwell (saxophone). This classic live recording is launched with the mournful sound of a solo harmonica morphing into a full band performance of "School," the stirring leadoff track off the progressive rock group's 1974 album Crime of the Century. The wide range of original material performed by the British troupe across the 3LP collection reviewed here is vast to be sure; the blues-flavored "Ain't Nobody But Me," tuneful pop-rock sortie "The Logical Song" (the latter showcasing Hodgson's dynamic vocals and sharp songcraft), wistful "Goodbye Stranger," rousing "Bloody Well Right" and introspective "Hide In Your Shell" are among the early standouts performed by the group. The latter part of the concert recording includes great performances of an acoustic reading "Give a Little Bit" enhanced by Helliwell's sax playing, the exuberant "Dreamer," bewitching "Take The Long Way Home," transcendent "Fool's Overture" and dramatic closer "Crime of the Century." Information: https://store.mercurystudios.co/.

Artist: Blur
Title: Live At Wembley Stadium (Parlophone)
You might like if you enjoy: Blur, Oasis, Travis
Tell me more: Groundbreaking British band Blur's full-length concert recorded at Wembley Stadium in London, England on July 9, 2023 is available as a 26-track double CD. Live At Wembley Stadium. This is an incredible concert recording capturing singer/multi-instrumentalist Damon Albarn, lead guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree in a spirted and inspired performance in front of 150,000 fans. 

Epic material from across the British quartet's acclaimed career is performed with passion and precision. Highlights on disc 1 include the fiery "Popscene," signature Britpop rockers "Tracy Jacks" and "Beetlebum," the wistful flamenco-tinged "Out of Time," emotional "Coffee & TV" and Beatlesque piano-anchored "Under the Westway." 

Disc 2 includes a mix of the band's beloved hits as well as top-tier new selections from the band's marvelous 2023 return The Ballad of Darren. The euphoric sing-along  "Parklife," dreamy "To the End," explosive "Song 2," plaintive "This Is a Low" (the latter enhanced by Coxon's stellar lead guitar work), enchanting "Tender," pensive melody-adorned "The Narcissist" and panoramic closer "The Universal" are among the brilliant originals that thrill on the last half of the superlative concert recording.

The audio CD release features the full-length concert across two discs, and is housed in a six-panel soft pack including an 18-panel poster fold booklet. Live At Wembley Stadium is also available on vinyl, as well as a concert film presented on Blu-ray. Information: blur.co.uk.

Artist: Ten Years After
Title: Woodstock 1969 (Chrysalis)
You might like if you enjoy: Ten Years After, Alvin Lee, Cream, British blues
Tell me more: Anyone who have ever seen the 1970 concert film "Woodstock: 3 Days of Peace and Music" knows that Ten Years After's performance of "I'm Going Home" is one of bona fide highlights of the award-winning film chronicling the Woodstock Festival staged near Bethel, New York in August 1969. Now the British band's complete Aug. 17, 1969 performance at that legendary event is presented via the audio title Woodstock 1969. "Hello beautiful people," says singer-guitarist Alvin Lee at the beginning of the band's set. "A fair blues to warm us up." Lee, bassist Leo Lyons, drummer Ric Lee and keyboardist Chick Churchill then proceed to deliver a powerful version of Howlin' Wolf's 1960 Willie Dixon-penned classic "Spoonful," a take bolstered by the mix of Alvin Lee's speedy lead guitar work and Ric Lee's dynamic drumming. The live recording also includes a fiery musical reading of "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl," enhanced by Alvin Lee's extended and breathtaking lead guitar solo. "The Hobbit" is a showcase for Ric Lee, one of the greatest rock drummers of the era; the dazzling solo that anchors the track draws big cheers from the hundreds of thousands concertgoers at the festival. Another key standout on the disc is the band's version of Al Kooper's "I Can't Keep From Crying Sometimes," an extended jam that somehow blends rock, blues, psychedelia and jazz stylings into a breathtaking and bold sonic amalgam. Closing out the set is of course Ten Years After's exceptional performance of "I'm Going Home," an astonishing reading that stretches almost 10 minutes and a defining moment that made the band into superstars. The 2024 release marks the first-ever standalone release of the historic performance, newly restored and featuring fresh mixes from the original 2-inch multi-track tapes. There are new liner notes by Chris Welch included in the eight-page colorful booklet. Information: amazon.com.

Robert Kinsler

Alvin Lee ES-335 ‘69 Festival - released worldwide by Gibson

As regular readers of my posts know, Alvin Lee was one of my favorite artists. After seeing Ten Years After's performance in the film "Woodstock," I sought out and began getting as many of his albums as I could. Those included his albums with TYA, as well as Ten Years Later and his solo efforts.

You can read my tribute to Alvin Lee that was published following his death in 2013 here. That article includes my re-posting of an article (published 25 years ago today) from The Orange County Register featuring my interview with the legendary singer-guitarist leading up to his performance at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. 

Read the media release below for details on the release of Gibson's "Alvin Lee ES-335 '69 Festival" electric guitar. Very cool indeed! Robert Kinsler

Gibson

 ‘Alvin Lee ES-335 ‘69 Festival’

Available Worldwide today, November 5, 2019

Blues-Rock Legend’s Signature “Big Red” Guitar From Breakout Festival Performance Released In Celebration Of

50^th Anniversary Of Woodstock

“My famous Gibson 335 that I bought for £45 in Nottingham was the best investment I ever made.”

--Alvin Lee

Alvin Lee playing his Gibson 335.
Photo credit: Dan Garson

NASHVILLE, TN (November 5, 2019) Gibson, the iconic American instrument brand, has announced the worldwide release of the new, limited-edition Alvin Lee ES-335 ’69 Festival’. The leading guitar brand has created the exact ES-335 guitar in Aged Sixties Cherry. The striking guitar, which Lee called “Big Red” launched his performance to legendary status while showcasing his lightning-fast guitar playing at the original Woodstock festival in 1969. In celebration of the 50^th Anniversary of Woodstock this year and Lee’s breakout festival performance, the historically accurate guitar is officially available now at Authorized Gibson Dealers worldwide. For more information, visit www.Gibson.com.

When Ten Years After took their heavy, manic blues-rock to the stage at Woodstock in 1969, the band unleashed a performance that came to define not just the legendary festival, but the spirit and sound of a movement. Following their set, which ended in a blistering, masterful rendition of “I’m Going Home,” Ten Years After catapulted to worldwide stardom and Alvin Lee rose to join Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Keith Richards as one of the most influential guitar gods of the time. In honor of the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock, Gibson is proud to present this Alvin Lee ES-335 ‘69 Festival’ guitar, built to the exact specifications of the guitar Lee used during his jaw-dropping, festival performance. The Gibson Alvin Lee ES-335 ’69 Festival’ guitar includes all of the stickers, aging, special modifications and mojo of the original. Only 50 of these limited-edition Alvin Lee ES-335 ’69 Festival’ guitars will be sold worldwide.

The Alvin Lee ES-335 '69 Festival guitar

Watch and share the following video of the new Alvin Lee ES-335 ’69 Festival’ guitar featuring Leo Lyons (Ten Years After, co-founder and bassist), Loraine Burgon (Alvin Lee’s partner 1963-1973) and Barrie Cadogan (Little Barrie, Primal Scream, The The), Here.

"Really happy to hear that Gibson guitars is doing a limited edition 335 in honour of Alvin Lee. Alvin was a brilliant guitar player that became famous all around the world with his band-Ten Years After. He was a great friend of mine and Black Sabbath, he made a major impact on thousands of guitar players globally-including me! Thank you, Gibson - Alvin well deserves it!!”

--Tony Iommi

“Alvin was one of the most exciting Rock/blues guitarists of his generation. His red customised Gibson ES 335 not only gave him his signature sound but was also a part of his iconic stage personality.”

--Leo Lyons (Ten Years After co-founder and bassist 1966–2013)

Born in Nottingham, England, Alvin Lee began playing guitar at age 13 and formed the core of what would become the band Ten Years After by age 15. Originally influenced by his parent's prolific collection of jazz and blues records, it was the advent of Rock ’n’ Roll that truly ignited Lee’s interest and creativity with guitarists like Chuck Berry and Scotty Moore providing his inspiration.

With Lee as guitarist, singer and songwriter, Ten Years After (TYA) first toured America in 1968 at the invitation of the legendary Fillmore promoter Bill Graham. American audiences were immediately captivated by the group’s innovative mix of blues, swing, jazz and rock alongside Lee's distinctive, soulful and rapid-fire guitar playing.

Alvin Lee’s groundbreaking, virtuoso guitar performance at Woodstock festival in 1969--captured live on film in the documentary of the festival--remains a gold standard of influence today for many guitarists and continues to introduce Lee to new music fans all over the world.

Listen to Alvin Lee: https://alvinlee.lnk.to/Listen. 

For more information about Alvin Lee:

 

ALVINLEE.COM | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

 

 

For Gibson, visit:

 

GIBSON.COM | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

 

 

About Gibson:

Gibson Brands, the world’s most iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for more than 100 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, TN, Gibson Brands has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson Brands portfolio includes Gibson, the number one guitar brand, as well as many of the most beloved and recognizable music brands, including Epiphone, Kramer, Steinberger and Gibson Pro Audio division brands Cerwin Vega, KRK Systems and Stanton. Gibson Brands is dedicated to quality, innovation and sound excellence so that music lovers for generations to come will continue to experience music shaped by Gibson Brands. Learn more at http://www.gibson.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Under The Radar Releases Worth Discovering

In addition to featuring a number of recent must hear releases, this column marks the debut of a new feature where I will profile a different "Lost Classic" release each week.

Artist: Beth Bombara
Title: Evergreen (All The Right Pills/Lemp Electric)
You might like if you enjoy: Aimee Mann, Phoebe Bridgers
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Beth Bombara's new album Evergreen (set for release on Aug. 9) finds the songstress tapping into that magical sonic-sphere comprised of equal parts melancholy, melody, literate verse and solid songcraft. The Michigan native who now calls St. Louis home created the 10-song disc while spending time in a remote cabin nestled in the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains and the results are glorious. The luxurious opening track "I Only Cry When I'm Alone" recalls some of Aimee Mann's best work; as if that wasn't enough of a recommendation the disc's subsequent cuts offer endless opportunities to hear the power of the singer-guitarist's knack for crafting undeniable material that showcases her emotive soprano and the importance of arrangements that are nuanced and come in the service of the songs. Great songs abound on "Evergreen" as evidenced by the shimmering title track, haunting "Anymore," Americana-tinged "Tenderhearted" and "Does It Echo?," and the melodic rocker "Good News." Information: www.bethbombara.com.

Artist: Radio California
Title: Chewing Gum Kind of Day (Jesse Ojeda)
You might like if you enjoy: Youth Gone Mad, Hüsker Dü
Tell me more: Southern California-based avant-garde prog rockers Radio California are back with another batch of edgy, groundbreaking and original tracks that mix and mash punk, rock, blues and art damage across the involving Chewing Gum Kind of Day. The 10-track album challenges the listener at every turn, with multi-layered tracking of instruments and hypnotic vocals courtesy of leader Jesse Ojeda. Standouts on this album include the wistful "You Can't Go Back," driving "Giant," and haunting "When Love is Gone." The lyrics capture the edginess of modern life to be sure but there is also a hopeful spirit where there is always a promise of something better ahead. An interesting and independent album worth discovering. Information: https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/RadioCalifornia1.

Artist: Blue Moon Marquee
Title: Bare Knuckles & Brawn (Blue Moon Marquee Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Robert Johnson
Tell me more: Listening to Canadian Gypsy blues duo Blue Moon Marquee's Bare Knuckles & Brawn is to be transported back to the early 20th century even while the artful mix-up of genres provides a welcome modern twist. Indeed all 11 tracks on Bare Knuckles & Brawn are original (courtesy of British Columbia's singer-guitarist A.W. Cardinal and bassist-vocalist Jasmine Colette); the duo and a collection of talented guests blend early blues with western swing (just listen to "Smoke Rings For My Rider"!), jazz and New Orleans stylings. The ambitious LP was recorded in a mere three days, an approach that helped yield the authentic and infectious spirit of the album. The arc of the disc can be uptempo and swing with excitement, and quickly journey to introspection. The beautiful jazz-flavored ballad "Hard Times Hit Parade" and apt "As I Lay Dying" showcase the impressive range of Blue Moon Marquee's approach. Information: www.bluemoonmarquee.com.



LOST CLASSIC

Artist: Ten Years After
Title: Ssssh (Chrysalis Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Led Zeppelin, Alvin Lee
Tell me more: Those planning to catch the 50th anniversary showing of "Woodstock: The Director's Cut" when it returns to movie theaters on Thursday, August 15 should be sure to catch one of the concert film's key performances - Ten Years After's "I'm Going Home." Recorded two months before that legendary performance and released in August 1969, Ssssh was the British blues rock band's third album and endures as one of the best albums of the genre. Although the album charted at #4 in the United Kingdom and #20 in the U.S. the LP has sadly slipped away from the spotlight over the past 50 years. Listening to the essential 2018 reissue of the disc is to be reminded of the freewheeling approach and virtuoso musicianship of Alvin Lee (guitar, vocals), Leo Lyons (bass), Ric Lee (drums) and Chick Churchill (keyboards). In addition to scorching blues rockers (including "Bad Scene," "Stoned Woman," "I Woke Up This Morning") and acoustic blues nuggets ("Two Time Mama," "If You Should Love Me") penned by Lee, the album also features a fiery take on Sonny Boy Williamson's "Good Morning Little School Girl." Information: amazon.com.

Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: 'Woodstock: The Director's Cut' coming to movie theaters on Aug. 15; new titles from +LIVE+ and The Flaming Lips

Going into the weekend, plenty of cool music news to share...

‘Woodstock’ 50 Years Later – The Most Legendary Weekend in Music History Rocks Movie Theaters Nationwide August 15 Only

Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Iconic Festival,

Fathom Events Brings the Extended Director’s Cut of Michael Wadleigh’s
Oscar®-Winning Documentary to Movie Theaters

DENVER – July 19, 2019 – Before it happened, the rock-music festival on a dairy farm was billed as “An Aquarian Experience: 3 Days of Peace and Music” and no one realized the weekend would become one of the seminal moments not just in music history, but in American history.

Fifty years later, the groundbreaking film that captured the original Woodstock music festival has become one of the most acclaimed documentaries ever produced – and Fathom Events is partnering with Warner Bros. to bring it back to movie theaters for one night only. “Woodstock: The Director’s Cut” will play at 7:00 p.m. local time on Thursday, August 15, in movie theaters nationwide.

Tickets are available now at www.FathomEvents.com.

“Both as a documentary and as a pop-culture phenomenon, ‘Woodstock’ is a milestone, a pivotal moment in history captured forever, proving the enduring power of cinema,” said Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Events. “Fifty years later, there has never been anything quite like it, either as a music festival or as a film, and Fathom Events is proud to be part of the anniversary of Woodstock.”

Directed by Michael Wadleigh and utilizing extraordinary perspectives, including split-screen and multi-screen sequences, “Woodstock” received an Academy Award® for Best Editing for Thelma Schoonmaker, a longtime collaborator of Martin Scorsese, who is also credited (along with Stan Warnow, Yeu-Bun Yee, Jere Higgins and Wadleigh) as one of its editors. The movie features 30 musical performances, among them a five-song set by Jimi Hendrix (including “Purple Haze”); The Who; Ten Years After; Janis Joplin; Crosby, Stills & Nash; Jefferson Airplane; and Joan Baez.

But apart from the raw, intimate ways it captures the performances, “Woodstock” also offers extraordinary insight into the people who attended the festival, the chaotic mood of the era, and the incendiary sparks let off by the event. Entertainment Weekly called “Woodstock” “the single greatest film ever made about the 1960s.”

The 3-hour, 44-minute director’s cut features performances – like Joplin’s and Jefferson Airplane’s – not seen in the original theatrical version, which was a box-office smash when first released in March 1970. This one-night-only Fathom Events presentation is the first wide, national theatrical re-release of the film since its original run.

For more information, visitwww.FathomEvents.com.

+LIVE+

Today release the Super Deluxe 25TH Anniversary edition of their landmark 8X Multi-Platinum sophomore album 'Throwing Copper'

BAND ALSO SHARE LYRIC VIDEO FOR

“SUSQUEHANNA,”

AN UNRELEASED TRACK FROM THE ORIGINAL SESSIONS

FOR ‘THROWING COPPER’

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: https://UMe.lnk.to/ThrowingCopper25/YouTube

Seminal rock band +LIVE+ today (July 19) release the super deluxe 25th anniversary edition of their landmark 8x multi-platinum sophomore album Throwing Copper on  Radioactive/MCA/UMe. The band today also shared the lyric video for “Susquehanna,” an unreleased track from the original sessions for the album. View the video here: https://UMe.lnk.to/ThrowingCopper25/YouTube. The haunting song with questioning lyrics about life, love and spirituality appears on the deluxe multi-format reissue of the album.

The Super Deluxe 25th Anniversary Throwing Copper box set edition not only features the album with bonus tracks on 2LP black vinyl, and a 12-page booklet with an in-depth interview with the band chronicling the era of the album, but it also contains 2CDs with a 26-track lineup that includes LIVE’s previously unreleased, explosive eight-song performance at Woodstock ’94 on a separate disc, mixed by +LIVE+ guitarist Chad Taylor. The 25th anniversary Throwing Copper collection is also available in a deluxe digital version, as well as a standalone 1CD set as well. Read the press release about the album here and its multiple configurations.

Initially released on April 26, 1994, Throwing Copper cemented the band’s position as one of the most instrumentally powerful and lyrically impactful bands of the modern alternative-rock era. Throwing Copper, which topped the Billboard 200 Albums chart a year after its initial release, also features a pair of No. 1 Modern Rock singles (“Lightning Crashes,” “Selling The Drama”) and has since been certified 8x multiplatinum by the RIAA, having sold over 8 million copies. The album also features the previously unreleased track “Hold Me Up”which is spinning at rock radio stations nationwide. View the lyric video here.

This summer at amphitheatres and arenas throughout North America, +LIVE+--Ed Kowalczyk (vocals, guitar),Chad Taylor (guitar, backing vocals), Patrick Dahlheimer (bass) and Chad Gracey (drums, percussion)--ismarking Throwing Copper’s milestone on the co-headline The ALT-IMATE Tour with Bush produced by Live Nation. Among the upcoming dates are a concert at the legendary Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Aug. 6, and a date at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, CA on Saturday, Aug. 10.

ABOUT +LIVE+:

+LIVE+, the multi-platinum band from Pennsylvania--Ed Kowalczyk (vocals, guitar), Chad Taylor (guitar, backing vocals), Patrick Dahlheimer (bass) and Chad Gracey (drums, percussion)--have sold over 22 million albums worldwide and earned two number one albums (Throwing Copper, Secret Samadhi). Their catalog is filled with such gems as “Lightning Crashes,” “I Alone,” “All Over You,” and “Lakini’s Juice,” which live on today as classics at rock radio. Throwing Copper—which is being celebrated in 2019 with a new deluxe 25th anniversary edition via Radioactive/Geffen/Ume--produced the band’s biggest single, “Lightning Crashes,” which was #1 at Modern Rock radio for 10 consecutive weeks. Throwing Copper reached #1 on the Billboard Top 200 and eventually surpassed sales of 10 million albums sold with Rolling Stone honoring the album with placement on their list, “1994: The 40 Best Records From Mainstream Alternative's Greatest Year.” Secret Samadhi (1997) immediately shot to #1 on the Billboard Top 200 and eventually went double platinum. The release of the platinum-selling The Distance to Here (1999) turned +LIVE+ into an international powerhouse and moved the band from arenas into stadiums. +LIVE+ has been and remains today a global concert juggernaut. The band released an acclaimed five-song EP in 2018, LOCAL 717, their first new music in over a decade.

For more information on +LIVE+, visit:

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

The Flaming Lips release 'King's Mouth: Music and Songs' on all formats today

NEW VIDEO “HOW MANY TIMES” OUT NOW 

 

SUMMER 2019 TOUR WITH THE CLAYPOOL LENNON DELIRIUM AND PARTICLE KID BEGINS JULY 23. TICKETS ON SALE NOW

July 19, 2019 (Los Angeles, CA) – Today, THE FLAMING LIPS release their 15^th studio album, King’s Mouth: Music And Songs, via Warner Records on vinyl, CD and digital platforms. The original gold colored vinyl Record Store Day limited edition pressing sold out instantly. King’s Mouth is now widely available on all formats. To coincide with the album’s release and tour, a brand-new video from the album “How Many Times,” is also released today. In typical Lipsian fashion, the video is lysergically colorful and completely joyous in its simplicity. It was shot in the band’s hometown of Oklahoma City and directed by Wayne Coyne. Click HERE to view and share. Click HERE to purchase King’s Mouth: Music And Songs.

The Lips have previously released a lyric video for ”Giant Baby,” and a visualizer for “All For The Life Of the City,” from King’s Mouth.  

King’s Mouth: Music And Songs was produced by The Flaming Lips, Dennis Coyne and Scott Booker with additional production by Dave Fridmann and Mike Fridmann. This is The Lips’ first new studio album since 2017’s Oczy Mlody and features twelve new originals that create a conceptual storyline threaded together by the dulcet-toned narration from Mick Jones of The Clash. The music provides the soundtrack for Wayne Coyne’s immersive art installation of the same name. The album has already received critical praise in advance of its release:

“Musically, King’s Mouth is very Soft Bulletin / Yoshimi — you know, orchestral space rock psych flower power pop…there are so many great moments on this album. Glad to have that spirit back in a new Lips record. A psychedelic experience that is kind of like the last 10 minutes of 2001: A Space Odyssey.” –Brooklyn Vegan

“’King’s Mouth’ is planetarium-ready space pop.” – Stereogum

“Consistently weird, consistently fresh, artistically adventurous. Nowhere is the band’s bold vision more evident than on its new album KING’S MOUTH: MUSIC AND SONGS. A full-on concept album, King’s Mouth breaks new ground.” – The Daily Beast 

“’King’s Mouth’ is the most “Flaming Lips” release you could possible imagine…a psychedelic explosion of sound. Kind of a spiritual follow up [to The Soft Bulletin and Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots] it returns to the breezy, optimistic space pop that made them the band of choice. Classic Lips…the most complete Flaming Lips album in over a decade.” – Under The Radar

Originally introduced in 2015, the art installation A King's Mouth: An Immersive Installation, showcased its psychedelic visuals and soundscapes through North America in museums such as Meow Wolf in Santa Fe, NM, the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, MD, the Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland, OR and Wayne’s own creative space, The Womb, in Oklahoma City, OK, Rough Trade NYC, Nashville’s Fort Houston, and currently installed at the Arts Center of the Ozarksin Springdale, AR.

A true handcrafted marvel, it consists of a giant metallic head that welcomes spectators inside. Once inside of the foam mouth, an LED light show begins in tandem with music from the album. Now, the record doubles as the sonic companion to the exhibit and allows fans to experience the aural side at any time. Further expanding this multi-faceted world and detailing a fascinating creation myth, the accompanying literary tome, King’s Mouth: Immerse Heap Trip Fantasy Experience tells the story of the King’s Mouth through words and visuals by Coyne, adds yet another dimension to the project, which ranks among the bands most ambitious thus far. About the vision, Coyne wrote, “The King’s Mouth immersive/child-like qualities are born from the same spark and womb as The Flaming Lips’ live performances. The King’s Mouth adventure was made for humans of all sizes, ages, cultures, and religions.” Click HERE to view and share the making of the KING’S MOUTH Part 1. HERE for Part 2. HERE for Part 3, and Part 4 HERE.

King’s Mouth: Music And Songs Track listing:

We Don’t Know How And We Don’t Know Why

The Sparrow

Giant Baby

Mother Universe

How Many Times

Electric Fire

All For The Life Of The City

Feedaloodum Beedle Dot

Funeral Parade

Dipped In Steel

Mouth Of The King

How Can A Head

In other Lips news, Steven Drozd has created a podcast that covers their 35-year recording career. This multi-part series will illustrate their inimitable and out there creative process covering their aural oeuvre in their own words: THE SORCERER’S ORPHAN: A SONG BY SONG HISTORY OF THE FLAMING LIPS: Episode 6 “King’s Mouth”— is available now. Check out the latest episode HERE. Catch up on previous episodes HERE.

As previously announced, THE LIPS have confirmed a twelve-date summer tour with The Claypool Lennon Delirium with support from Particle Kid. Click HERE for further details. Special VIP packages will also be available for those who want the ultimate LIPS experience. This will include early access to the venue, so fans can be part of the pre-show warm up on stage during soundcheck for a few songs. Wayne and members of The Lips will then spend some time for an intimate meet and greet before fans have the chance to grab the best seats in the house close to the stage or be first at the merch booth before the crowds enter the venue.

 

The Flaming Lips/The Claypool Lennon Delirium and Particle Kid Summer 2019 US Tour:

July 23            Wichita, KS                              Wave

July 24            Des Moines, IA                         Water Works Park Amphitheater

July 26            Indianapolis, IN                        Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn @ White River State Park

July 27            Lewiston, NY (Niagara Falls)   Artpark Amphitheater

July 28            Asbury Park, NJ                       Stone Pony Summer Stage

July 30            Port Chester, NY                      Capitol Theatre

July 31            New Haven, CT                        College Street Music Hall (w/o The Claypool Lennon)

Aug 02            Utica, NY                                  Saranac Brewery

Aug 03            Worcester, MA                          The Palladium Outdoors

Aug 05            Charlotte, NC                           Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre

Aug 06            Charlottesville, VA                    Sprint Pavilion

Aug 07            Raleigh, NC                             Red Hat Amphitheater

Europe/U.K./Australia Headline:

Sep 01            Prato, ITL                                Piazza Duomo

Sep 05            Edinburgh, UK                        Usher Hall

Sep 06            Manchester, UK                      Manchester Academy

Sep 07            London, UK                             O2 Brixton Academy

Sep 28            Brisbane, AU                           Fortitude Music Hall

Sep 30            Sydney, AU                             Sydney Opera House

Oct 01             Sydney, AU                             Sydney Opera House

 

Dates below are Festivals:

Sep 13            Chicago, IL                              Riot Fest Chicago

Sep 20            Louisville, KY                           Bourbon and Beyond Festival

Oct 03-04        Melbourne, AU                        Melbourne International Arts Festival

Oct 10-13       Lake Perris, CA                        Desert Daze

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